Overview
- A fast-moving wildfire swept from nearby fields across a railway embankment into Racecourse Lane and Brunswick Gate on Thursday, destroying 19 homes and damaging 18 more, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed.
- Firefighters evacuated residents, fought the blaze through the day, and have started to allow some households back while crews carry out cleanup and detailed damage surveys.
- Neighbours and local farmers used hoses and ad hoc efforts to slow the spread as flames jumped the embankment, according to multiple eyewitness accounts.
- Network Rail inspected scorched trackside embankments and key roads plus nearby Stourbridge Golf Club remained closed as police continue their active investigation of the scene.
- Many affected households face demolition, long rebuilding timelines and temporary rehousing, with insurers, local councils and recovery teams expected to drive the next phase of support.